Nashville, TN – Now a senior at Belmont University majoring in sports administration with a minor in legal studies, Sabrina Oostburg has become a trailblazer in collegiate athletics—not only as a Shot Put and Hammer Throw competitor but also as a rising voice in the world of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness).
When Sabrina Oostburg’s family packed up their life in San Diego and moved to Tennessee in 2020, she never expected the move to spark both an athletic and entrepreneurial journey. Today, the Belmont University senior is not only a standout Shot Put and Hammer Throw competitor but also one of Nashville’s rising leaders in the new world of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness).
Oostburg’s athletic career started almost by accident. Looking to make friends in high school, she joined the track team—only to have a coach suggest she try throwing instead of running. Within two months, she ranked among the top six in Tennessee for Shot Put. That talent opened doors to college offers, first at Austin Peay and later at Belmont, where she went on to win national titles.
In 2022, the NCAA’s new NIL policy allowed student-athletes to profit from their personal brand. While many athletes were unsure how to get started, Oostburg was quick to seize the moment. Drawing on her earlier experience landing sponsorships to support Olympic weightlifting competitions, she turned NIL into a personal brand-building opportunity.
Since then, she’s partnered with over 100 companies, including Sports Illustrated and CVS, and was selected out of 1,000 athletes for Meta’s female student-athlete cohort, earning her a paid trip to Las Vegas to connect with top women in sports.
Oostburg isn’t stopping with her own success. She recently launched NIL Roadmap, a two-part program with online courses and live events designed to teach high school and college athletes how to navigate NIL opportunities. Her goal: equip student-athletes with skills in business, content creation, negotiation, and networking that will last long after their playing days are over.
“It’s not just about free products,” Oostburg said. “It’s about building something that can serve you long after your athletic career.”
With brands like Whole Foods on her radar and a growing reputation as both an athlete and educator, Oostburg represents a new kind of college competitor, one thriving on the field and in business.
For Nashville’s sports community, her story shows how NIL is more than just a rule change. It’s an opportunity that allows student-athletes to earn, learn, and prepare for the future, all while competing at the highest levels.
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